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Pop Culture

50 Wonderful Things From 2016

Emma Thompson, seen here at the premiere of Bridget Jones's Baby, is just one of the many people who did something wonderful in 2016. Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images hide caption

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Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

Pop Culture Happy Hour

50 Wonderful Things From 2016

It's time again for our annual collection, in no particular order, of 50 wonderful pop-culture things from 2016. Read them, watch them, or listen to them; we think something will delight you.

Television

'Late Show' Host Says He Has Finally Found His Post-'Colbert Report' Voice

Fresh Air

The comic initially avoided joking about politics on The Late Show for fear that he would fall into his Colbert Report persona. Originally broadcast Nov. 2, 2016.

'Late Show' Host Says He Has Finally Found His Post-'Colbert Report' Voice

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The Individualism And Fist-Pumping Of George Michael's 'Freedom '90'

George Michael, seen here performing in September 2012, died this week. Among other things, the man could wear a suit. Samir Hussein/Redferns via Getty Images hide caption

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Samir Hussein/Redferns via Getty Images

Pop Culture Happy Hour

The Individualism And Fist-Pumping Of George Michael's 'Freedom '90'

In the wake of the death of George Michael, we take a moment to appreciate "Freedom '90," not his biggest hit, but an irresistible mix of independence and vulnerability.

Ari Shapiro and Ann Powers on George Michael's Radical Impact

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'Twin Peaks' Revival Promises Weirdness And Mystery — But Is That Enough?

David Lynch eats a donut in Showtime's bare-bones teaser for the Twin Peaks revival. Showtime/Screenshot by NPR hide caption

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Showtime/Screenshot by NPR

Television

'Twin Peaks' Revival Promises Weirdness And Mystery — But Is That Enough?

So much of today's high quality TV already feels like a distant homage to Twin Peaks. That may make it hard for co-creators David Lynch and Mark Frost to surprise fans with their revival.

'Twin Peaks' Revival Promises Weirdness And Mystery — But Is That Enough?

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Korean Air Revises Taser Rules After Singer's Criticism

Korean Airlines announced changes to its Taser policy Tuesday. The announcement happens a week after singer Richard Marx (pictured in 2015) took the airline to task for its handling of an unruly passenger. Robb D. Cohen/Robb D. Cohen/Invision/AP hide caption

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Robb D. Cohen/Robb D. Cohen/Invision/AP

The Two-Way

Korean Air Revises Taser Rules After Singer's Criticism

The airline says crews will now have more discretion in using stun guns. Last week, 1980s pop star Richard Marx complained about a flight crew's handling of an unruly passenger.

Television

Kenya Barris On 'Black-ish' And What Kids Lose When They Grow Up With More

Fresh Air

Barris says his ABC comedy series is about "raising your kids in a different environment than you were accustomed to being raised in." Originally broadcast May 18, 2016.

Kenya Barris On 'Black-ish' And What Kids Lose When They Grow Up With More

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Television

'I Never Set Out To Be An Actor,' Says 'Transparent' Star Gaby Hoffmann

Fresh Air

Hoffmann grew up in the Chelsea Hotel and appeared in Field of Dreams and other films as child. She says she initially saw acting as "a means to an end." Originally broadcast Oct. 10, 2016.

'I Never Set Out To Be An Actor,' Says 'Transparent' Star Gaby Hoffmann

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At Last, Harriet Tubman Strides Onto Our Screens

Aisha Hinds (at left) will play Harriet Tubman in the second season of WGN America's Underground, alongside (left to right) Amirah Vann, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Aldis Hodge, Alano Miller and Jessica de Gouw. Courtesy of WGN America hide caption

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Courtesy of WGN America

Arts & Life

At Last, Harriet Tubman Strides Onto Our Screens

The legendary abolitionist hasn't had a big place in popular culture. But with an upcoming movie starring Viola Davis and her appearance in the TV show Underground, that's starting to change.

At Last, Harriet Tubman Strides Onto Our Screens

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Music

The 'Jingle Bells' Song Has Roots In Minstrelsy

The Christmas staple "Jingle Bells," has been the subject of many arguments about its provenance. Researcher Kyna Hamill, who did some more digging, talks with NPR's Ailsa Chang.

The 'Jingle Bells' Song Has Roots In Minstrelsy

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National

After Sexual Misconduct Allegations, Race Colors Stars' Reputations Differently

Ailsa Chang chats with BuzzFeed's Anne Helen Petersen about actors Nate Parker and Casey Affleck. Both faced allegations of sexual misconduct, but their reputations have fared differently.

After Sexual Misconduct Allegations, Race Colors Stars' Reputations Differently

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Africa

In Dire, Daily Life, What Do Zimbabweans Find Funny?

Widespread joblessness, hunger and an economy once again in a tailspin are what Zimbabweans are living with daily. So how do you make people laugh when life seems so dire?

In Dire, Daily Life, What Do Zimbabweans Find Funny?

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Actress Carrie Fisher Reportedly In Stable Condition After Entering Cardiac Arrest

Carrie Fisher, seen here at the world premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015, has reportedly had a heart attack. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP hide caption

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Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

The Two-Way

Actress Carrie Fisher Reportedly In Stable Condition After Entering Cardiac Arrest

Both the Los Angeles City Fire Department and United Airlines say a passenger aboard a flight from London was unresponsive. Multiple media reports claim it was the Star Wars actress.

Following Negotiations, No Rockettes Will Be Required To Perform At Inauguration

The Radio City Rockettes with Donald Trump in 2004. The Rockettes' union announced late Friday that no dancer would be obligated to perform at the president-elect's inauguration last month. Scott Gries/Getty Images hide caption

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Scott Gries/Getty Images

The Two-Way

Following Negotiations, No Rockettes Will Be Required To Perform At Inauguration

After criticism on social media, and concerns from Rockettes themselves, the dance troupe's union announced late Friday that no Rockette would be obligated to perform at Donald Trump's inauguration.